1. The top shaft is thicker on the new front struts and the bump-stop won't fit. Do I need one or can I leave it off? I have them in-place without them, but I have a feeling that's not the correct way.

2. I can fit the front struts in-place OK with some fidgeting, but the rear is much less forgiving. I'm worried I won't be able to get the hub low enough for the knuckle to line up properly. Any suggestions? Can I compress the strut? Do I need to loosen/replace other parts?

Thanks again for your help.

I gave up about 2:30 this morning and went to bed - slightly terrified I've made a mistake by trying to go taller I just can't imagine how I'm going to get the rear new/taller struts installed without snapping something.